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When bacteria-filled material settles on your teeth, either due to improper flossing or inadequate brushing, the result is plaque. If the plaque is left ignored, then calculus or tartar forms, which is essentially solidified plaque. Once there is tartar buildup on your teeth, it becomes very difficult to get rid of and could lead to bleeding and swollen gums. Thus, it is better to take care of your teeth in the initial stages and prevent plaque buildup. Plaque-free teeth reduces your chances of tooth decay and developing gum diseases. Hence, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth.

What Causes Tartar and Plaque Buildup: Causes of plaque and tartar buildup include irregular brushing habits, ignoring flossing your teeth, a poor diet, eating too many sweets, and avoiding regular visits to a dental clinic.

• Brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial to keep your teeth free from bacteria. It is preferable to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Flossing your teeth is important as it can reach places between your teeth where your tooth brush cannot. Floss is available at all drug stores and supermarkets.
• Eating the right kinds of fruits and vegetables can also aid in keeping plaque away. A few foods that are good for your teeth are apples, carrots, and cucumbers. You also need to avoid eating processed foods.
• Sweet foods provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria due to the sugar in them which facilitates plaque buildup.
• Getting rid of all the plaque on our teeth (by simple brushing and flossing) is not always possible, so it is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning to avoid buildup.

There are a few home remedies that people use to get rid of tartar and plaque. Some of the commonly used remedies are outlined below. However, keep in mind that these are just home remedies and a visit to a dentist is a must in order to avoid further complications.

• Baking Soda: One of the oldest ingredients used to help remove plaque from your teeth is baking powder. All you need to do is empty a little baking soda into a bowl, wet your toothbrush, dab a bit of the powder onto your brush and use it to clean the plaque. Another alternative is adding a dash of salt along with baking soda and using this mixture to brush and get rid of tartar. Creating your own mouthwash is simple; all you require is baking soda (half cup), water (one glass), essential lemon oil (10 drops), aloe vera gel (one teaspoon), and vegetable glycerin (four teaspoons). Store the mixture in a bottle and use it on a daily basis.
• Apples and Melons: Eating an apple or any kind of melon one hour after your meal helps prevents plaque buildup and inhibits gum bleeding.
• Orange Peels: Rub the rind of an orange on your teeth before going to bed and do not rinse your mouth after that, as it helps your teeth fight against bacteria.
• Spicy Food: Including spicy food in your diet is a good way to keep your mouth clean. When you eat this type of food, your salivary glands are stimulated; if sufficient amounts of saliva are produced by your mouth, it cleans your gums and teeth in a natural way.
• Tomatoes and Strawberries: Vitamin C is very good for your teeth, and tomatoes and strawberries contain lots of vitamin C. Rub the fruit on your teeth, and let it stay for five minutes. This helps soften the tartar in your mouth. Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda mixed in warm water after that. Other foods that are rich in vitamin C and are recommended are bell peppers, berries, lemons, oranges, limes and papaya.
• Sesame Seeds: Chewing sesame seeds and then brushing your teeth after that is one of the successful methods to get rid of tartar. It helps soften plaque and tartar and ultimately gets rid of it in a few days.
• Dental Pick: Slowly remove the tartar with the help of a dental pick. Be careful while using a pick as cleaning your teeth roughly could lead to bleeding gums, infection or irritation.
• Oral Cleanser: Gargling with an antiseptic oral cleanser or hydrogen peroxide loosens the tartar and plaque. Mix a cap of hydrogen peroxide with half a glass of water and gargle with the mixture.
• Floss: Flossing helps to get rid of food particles that are stuck in between the teeth that you may not be able to get rid of with rinsing, gargling, or brushing.

Remember to be cautious when implementing home remedies, and if possible consult your dentist before using them.

References:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002044.htm
2. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm